Thursday, November 29, 2007

The Zen of Shoes...

As some of you know, I spent Thanksgiving with my son in Denver. My co-worker, Bobbi, went along, as did Eric, the kid cousin from Billings, and a friend from Forsyth, who tagged along to see his son in Erie, CO for the holiday.

We decided to leave Forsyth at 6 am, hoping that we'd get to Denver before dark. The plan was to pick up Eric in Billings and drive on from there. We figured the drive would take around 9 hours with the extra stop.

I awoke at 4:30 am, showered and finished packing. As I stepped outside to load the car, I realized that it had rained the night before and then the rain had frozen. Over the ice was a nice layer of snow.

GAK!

I picked up Bobbi and then our friend from Forsyth. The car was loaded to the max (two women going to the big city for almost a week--you can imagine) and we weren't sure how we were going to get Eric's things in, but we headed for Billings. It was still dark so Bobbi offered to drive. We figured it would be slow going because of the road situation. We were so right. A hundred miles and two and a half hours later, we arrived in Billings.

We picked up Eric. Fortunately he was traveling light so most of his stuff fit in...except the airbed, which Cousin Kay had tried, unsuccessfully, to deflate. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn't get it into the trunk of the car so we finally gave up in mock disgust and stuffed it between Eric and I in the back seat of the car.

We were back on the road again. After a quick stop at the coffee kiosk, we were off to Denver. Almost...


Just as we were about to leave the city limits, Cousin Kay called to tell me I'd forgotten "Marcia" my gps navigator cell phone, which had been on loan to the kid cousins. We flipped a bitch (as Bobbi says) and headed back across town to the cousin's house.

Marcia in hand we , once again waved goodbye to Billings.


Many hours and a several minor adventures later, we arrived in Colorado. The trip took
almost 12 hours, but it was definitely worth it!

My son and his friends playing Rock Band (or something like that) on their X-Box 360 (I think).


Bobbi cooked for 2 days and I did dishes and cleaned up. We are a pretty good team.


And best of all, no one had to go to the E.R.

On Friday we braved the crowds and went downtown. We toured the new "green" EPA building, but weren't allowed to take pictures. It was very cool though and I'll blog about it later when there are pictures of it on the EPA website.

This photo is of downtown Denver. It was kind of snowy and very cold, but also very beautiful.


We went shopping at one of my son's favorite stores "Oh My Goth". It's a fun store, full of "interesting" articles of clothing, jewelry and other fun things. Bobbi and i had a blast trying on clothing and sunglasses. A later blog will probably feature our choices in eyewear. This interesting building was next door to the store.


On Sunday my son and kid cousin Eric were scheduled to go to an Evanescense Concert, but it was canceled at the last moment. It is one of Eric's favorite bands, so he was disappointed, but like the amazing kid he is, he took it all in stride. It didn't stop the boys from posing in their concert garb anyway.



Of course Bobbi and I had to shop. The choices in Billings are limited to say the least, so when we were faced with malls and shops, we went rather nuts. We spent hours and hours and hours trying on dresses and designer clothes and going from shop to shop looking at lingerie and shoes. Oh my, the zen of shoes. I could shoe shop for days in Denver, some (my poor son who had to drive dozens of miles in day-after-Thanksgiving traffic looking for just the right pair of brown shoes to go with my brown slacks) might even say I did.

This last picture was taken at the Cherry Creek Mall. We drove clear across town to go see the movie "Across the Universe". We arrived several hours early and shopped until the show started. The movie was wonderful. If you haven't seen it, and like musicals at all, I encourage you to do so. It's full of Beatles music and wonderful young actors. We took this picture with my cell phone as we were leaving to go back to the boy's house. We drove around and around and around the parking lot to get just the right angle.


22 comments:

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a wonderful time! I'm glad you made it safe and sound!

I like how you called it Rock Band. Now I can't even think of what it is called! *L* I keep coming up with air guitar, and that's not it!

Beautiful tree!

Ur-spo said...

i was glad to see you posting again, and it sounds you are having a jolly time.
flipping a bitch?

Unknown said...

Glad you made the drive safely. It appears you all had a grand time.

Hilary said...

Great story and photos. That food looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

"...nobody had to go to the E.R."

Has this been a problem at family reunions? Wow, you guys know how to party! ;o)

Pam said...

As I started to read this post the first thought that crossed my mind was "uh-oh, is she going to get lost and does she have her GPS?"

This was a great post, replete with photos; a most excellent visit. The boys look cool in their concert garb, and... OMG, look at all that food!

As for the shopping gig, I can't relate, I HATE to shop. Does that make me weird?

KGMom said...

My reaction was much like Pam's--Laurie on a trip; hope she doesn't get too directionally challenged.
Glad you got to spend a wonderful Thanksgiving with your son.

dmmgmfm said...

Butterfly, we really had a grand time! I still can't remember what it's called. It's not Guitar Hero, but it's kind of like it. They even made me sing (for a second).

Ur-spo, flipping a bitch is Bobbi's way of saying make a u-turn. She has some of the funniest sayings. I might blog about them some day.

Nick, it was a fabulous week!

Hilary, the food was incredible. Bobbi's a wonderful cook.

Thomas, it's only a problem when I cook. And actually, I've never sent anyone to the E.R., but the firemen have had to come out a time or two (kidding--but my dad used to suggest we buy pies to give them the day off).

Pam, I didn't used to like shopping, but since my weight loss, I can't seem to stop. Maybe I need shoppers anonymous?

KG, too funny! You ladies are so right. We would probably be in Mexico right now if we hadn't had the GPS with us.

Anonymous said...

It was such a blast, my first trip to Denver couldn't have been better. Nels, Val, Maus, and Dave where fabulous hosts, I loved them all. I absolutely love cooking and since you follow directions so well on what you could and couldn't clean til I said so, we made a fantastic team. And speaking as one of the innocent bystanders along on your shopping spreas you may need shoppers anonymous, however your are developing a great sense of style. You look wonderful in your outfits and shoes. Thanks so much for taking me along on this adventure,and thanks to the boys for putting up with us for almost a week, I can't think of anywhere else I would have wanted to spend the holiday. Everyday is such and experience working and hanging out with you. Lots of love, Bobbi

Mary said...

I'd like to hire you to shop for shoes with my daughter. I like shoes, but I get bored after five hours... Shoes, shoes, shoes. Sometimes, I'll find a seat in the mall and wait.

So glad you had a wonderful time in Denver - it really is a beautiful city!

Nothing better than being with your son, right? I know the feeling of missing them.

Your adventures in traveling crack me up. So glad you finally had Marcia with you - there's no telling where you would have wound up. LOL!

Unknown said...

sounds like a good time was had by all

Unknown said...

Great photos, Laurie - glad to see that you've been able to take some time for yourself. I hate to tell you - I tagged you for a meme. When you have a bit of spare time.

Carol said...

Wow, you look like you're having a grand old time at the moment. Your son is a blessing. I laughed about no-one going to the ER. My best friend is a police despatch officer for 000 emergency (same as your 911). She says it's a good day when no-one dies.
Lovely to hear from you after so long.

Big hugs,
Carol

LittlePea said...

Frozen rain! No! Glad you all made it safely.
And sounds like you all had a good time. I love Denver.

Squirl said...

I'm sorry you had the nasty ice. We've had some of that the last couple of days. At least you made it there safely.

The shopping sounds like fun. Looking forward to your other posts about the trip.

I didn't get to see Across the Universe. Guess I'll have to wait until it comes out in DVD.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great trip and a fun time. It is always great when you get to spend time with your child at the holidays. Having the special people with you to help join in the festivities is even better. The photos are great. Thanks for sharing.

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Menchie said...

Great pictures! And you said girl -- I could shop for shoes all day too!

Q said...

Dear Laurie,
Nice to know your Thanksgiving trip went so well. Not only did you make it safe and sound but you did not need a trailer to haul all your shopping home. I only have needed to rent a one way, one time. I learned to be reasonable when shopping out of town. Always make sure the store can ship to me!
I lived in Denver back in the early 1970's and my daughter just moved from Boulder to Portland. We have made the KC to Denver run many times. I love road trips and yours sounds as if it was lots of fun. Time spent with your son must have been the best part.
Sherry

Pink said...

wow. look at all those pies!
xx
pinks

Unknown said...

Are you doing OK. Laurie?

dmmgmfm said...

Hi everyone, and especially Nick,

I am fine, I apologize for the lack of posts and comments lately. I have been a very busy girl! But I am fine and very happy.

I love you all and will do my best (which hasn't been good enough lately, obviously) to get back into the swing of things.

Hugs,
Laurie